AGROPYRON ‘Couch grass’

Couch grass has long played an important role with herbalists. Pliny & Dioscorides both promoted it as improving urine flow and dissolving kidney stones. (couch grass decoction taken over several months will prevent further enlargement) Heated seeds used in hot, moist pack applied to abdomen to relieve peptic ulcers. Juice from the roots advocated for treating jaundice & liver complaints. Sick dogs eat it to induce vomiting. In times of famine the root has been roasted and ground as flour & as a coffee substitute.